Maj. Gen. William Cooley was removed from his position as the Air Force Research Laboratory Commander at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base on January 15 because of alleged misconduct. The Air Force cited a loss of confidence in Cooley’s ability to lead.
Officials didn’t reveal the specific reason why the two-star general was removed from his role running the Dayton-based scientific research branch. Air Force Spokesperson Derek Kaufman told WYSO that the Air Force Office of Special Investigations will conduct the inquiry into the alleged misconduct.
Cooley took over as Commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory in May 2017. He was responsible for managing a workforce of approximately 6,000 employees and running research programs with budgets totalling $4.8 billion dollars. Cooley has been reassigned as special assistant to the Air Force Materiel Command. Brig. Gen. Evan Dertien will replace him as the laboratory’s commander.
